Reptiles

The only endemic reptiles in New Zealand are skinks, geckos, and the tuatara (which, like native frogs, are not found in braided river environments).

Braided riverbeds provide ideal habitat for lizards such as McCann’s skink/mokomoko, which likes to use dry rocky areas for basking in the sun. The long-toed skink can be found on eroding river terraces. The Southern Alps gecko can be found in riverbeds.

More information

1. Three of the original seven species of native frogs have become extinct. The remaining four species are found only on islands in the Marlborough Sounds and isolated parts of the North Island; they are not found around braided rivers. If you hear or see a frog around braided rivers, please let DOC know.